Khalin Joshi followed his career-low opening round with a four-under 68 to extend his lead to six shots at the halfway stage of the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2026 powered by IndianOil at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA).
The 34-year-old Bengaluru golfer, who opened with an 11-under 61, made five birdies and one bogey to reach 15-under 129 at his home course.
Joshi began the second round four strokes clear and strengthened his position despite cloudy, cool and windy conditions. He remained bogey-free until his 16th hole of the day, the par-four seventh, where he dropped his only shot.
The three-time DP World PGTI winner in 2026 arrived in Bengaluru after winning last week’s Nava Raipur Open. He began the tournament seventh in the Race to DP World India Championship.
Local teenager Manoj S retained second place at nine-under 135 after adding a two-under 70 to his opening 65. The 18-year-old had five birdies, one bogey and a double bogey in an eventful round.
Four players shared third place at seven-under 137. Gurugram’s Manu Gandas shot a 68, while Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar and Delhi’s Shaurya Bhattacharya returned matching 70s. Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat carded a 69.
Gandas won the DP World PGTI Rankings in 2023, while Ahlawat topped the standings in 2024.
Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R followed his opening 67 with a 71 to occupy seventh place at six-under 138.
Joshi was pleased with another assured performance and his commanding position after 36 holes.
“It was another solid day,” Joshi said. “I’m pleased with the way I’ve played over the first two rounds and satisfied with where I am. I’m now looking forward to the final two days.”
Joshi opened with consecutive birdies and added three more before making his only bogey of the week.
“I started strongly with birdies on my first two holes,” he said. “I would have liked to finish a little better, especially after making my first bogey of the week, but my game still feels good.”
Gusty winds and more demanding pin positions provided a different test from the opening round, although Joshi felt the conditions allowed the field to experience KGA at its best.
“We were blessed with excellent weather, although the gusty wind and tougher flag positions made the course interesting,” he said. “KGA is my home course, and it is wonderful for the entire field to experience such a great venue in these conditions.”
With a six-shot cushion heading into the weekend, Joshi intends to maintain the approach that has taken him to 15-under through two rounds.
“I want to continue finding fairways and greens, create birdie opportunities and keep applying pressure at the top of the leaderboard,” said Joshi, whose Thai girlfriend is caddying for him this week.
The halfway cut fell at one-over 145, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.
The Bengaluru Open is the final tournament before the top 60 on the 2026 DP World PGTI Order of Merit are confirmed. Players finishing inside the top 60 will retain their playing rights for the 2026-27 season.
Photo – PGTI
